Northern Territory has won the IXOM Best Tasting Tap Water in Australia title for 2025 with its sample from Power Water’s Katherine water treatment plant.
The competition was facilitated by the Water Industry Operations Association of Australia (WIOA), which announced the winner on Friday 5th December at the Moranbah Carols by Candlelight event in Queensland. WIOA invited attendees at the event to ‘blind’ taste all the water samples and vote for their favourite. More than 200 people cast their vote to determine the winner.
During the year, water authorities in regional and metropolitan areas across Australia competed in state and territory competitions to find their best drop. Those winners were invited to go head-to-head for the National title, putting interstate rivalry to the ultimate test.
Northern Territory’s Power Water Katherine water treatment plant was competing against:
- NSW/ACT – Richmond Valley Council – Casino
- Queensland – Gympie Regional Council – Cooloola Cove
- South Australia – SA Water – Morgan
- Tasmania – TasWater – Rocky Creek
- Victoria – Barwon Water – Lorne
- Western Australia – Acciona Trility JV – Mundaring
Northern Territory’s Power Water Katherine water treatment plant will have bragging rights for the next 12 months as the provider of Australia’s best drop, and will have the opportunity to represent Australia at the annual Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting Competition in West Virginia, USA in February 2026.
“Congratulations to Power Water on their prestigious win, I’d also like to acknowledge all the water providers and operators that work 24/7 to serve their communities.”
The annual IXOM Best Tasting Tap Water competition is a fun and engaging way to celebrate the high quality of Australia’s drinking water while acknowledging the dedication of local water service providers in delivering this essential resource to their communities.
In its search for the best-tasting tap water in each state and nationally, WIOA invites all water suppliers to participate in the competition. Water samples undergo a blind taste test and are evaluated using the Water Tasting Wheel, which highlights key attributes such as colour, clarity, odour and taste – just like a wine tasting, but without the need to spit!
“The competition highlights the dedication of individuals and organisations that work tirelessly – often in challenging conditions – to provide their communities with safe, high-quality drinking water every day. It’s also a great way to shine a spotlight on the vital work happening behind the scenes to safeguard Australia’s water future.”
Mr Barnett also acknowledged IXOM’s ongoing support of the Best Tasting Tap Water competition. “IXOM’s steadfast commitment to the industry enables us to continue running this competition and celebrate the critical work of water service providers across the country,” he said.
“IXOM is proud to be the sponsor of the prestigious 2025 IXOM Best Tasting Tap Water competition,” said Bryce Wolfe, Chief Executive Officer of IXOM.
“IXOM is a leading supplier of water treatment chemicals to the water sector. With over 100 years of expertise, IXOM locally manufactures and supplies chemicals to water treatment plants all over Australia. We strive to raise standards and innovate across the industry, and help to ensure everyone has access to safe, clean and great-tasting drinking water.”
Information
About this competition
The IXOM Best Tasting Tap Water competitions are a fun and exciting way to raise awareness of the quality of drinking water and to recognise the efforts of local water service providers in delivering valuable water services to their communities.
About IXOM
Drawing on more than 100 years of expertise, IXOM delivers products, services and solutions that keep communities safe, specialising in the delivery of source water and wastewater treatment solutions critical for ensuring clean water supply, as well as the supply of essential chemical products and food ingredients. Most drinking water in Australia and New Zealand is treated with products that IXOM makes locally, and the chemicals and products manufactured and distributed by IXOM are fundamental components that keep a wide range of industries operating, including dairy, agriculture, power generation, food and beverage, pulp and paper, mining and metals, construction, and water treatment. In fact, it’s hard to find an industry that IXOM does not touch. IXOM has more than 1,300 employees and operations in 10 countries, and proudly sponsors water taste tests across Australia and New Zealand. www.ixom.com
Media contact
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